Sri Lanka: Mullaitivu fishermen protest arson attack and demand justice

Fisherfolk and civil society activists in Mullaitivu staged a protest on 21 April outside the Divisional Secretariat, denouncing escalating threats and violence against those campaigning against illegal fishing practices in the region.

The protest was organised by the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement, the Northern Province Fisheries People Unity, and the District Cooperative Fisheries Society, following an arson attack earlier this month on the motorcycle of Annalingam Nadanalingam, a leading local activist.

On 15 April, Nadanalingam’s motorcycle was deliberately set on fire by individuals allegedly involved in illegal fishing. The activist, who has been at the forefront of efforts to protect marine resources, was also reportedly threatened with violence in the aftermath of the attack.

In response, the protestors demanded immediate action from authorities and condemned the failure of the Sri Lankan police to intervene or investigate the incident effectively.

Protesters carried banners with messages including:

• “Minister of Fisheries, look back at us who are affected in every way!”
• “Those who feed the illegal fishers are the reason for their rise”
• “Sri Lankan Government, control illegal fishing and stop those who intimidate the protectors of marine resources”
• “Let small-scale fishers live”
• “Stop the anarchy of illegal fishers”
• Demonstrators called for justice for Nadanalingam, accountability for those making threats, and an end to impunity for illegal fishing operations, which they say are decimating local livelihoods and marine biodiversity.

A petition outlining their demands was handed over to District Secretary Umamaheshwaran and Jaffna district MP Duraikkannu Ravikaran, urging government intervention and protection for frontline activists and small-scale fishers.

Among the notable attendees were Francis, President of the Northern Province Fishermen’s Network; Mr. Alam, Secretary; Annalingam Nadanalingam, District President; Prathas, Mullaitivu District Coordinator of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement; Benedict Cruz, Mannar District Coordinator; and Ravi, Vice President of the Karaichchi Regional Cooperative. They were joined by representatives from Thendral Women’s Organization, Viluthugal Youth Organization, various fishing unions, and concerned members of the public.

The protest comes amid a growing outcry across the North-East, where Tamil fishing communities have long accused authorities of turning a blind eye to illegal activities, often carried out by southern Sinhala fleets or military-linked actors, that destroy marine ecosystems and marginalise local livelihoods.